Intraocular lens implantation in microphthalmic patients

Microphthalmos is a developmental disorder of the eye consisting of a smaller than normal eye. This disorder can present as an isolated condition or associated with other systemic alterations. It is not uncommon for patients with microphthalmos to have congenital cataracts along with other ocular and systemic abnormalities. This paper reports the experience with 11 microphthalmic eyes of seven patients who had primary or secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation over a six-year period from 1985 to 1991. In all cases the IOL had a 13.5 mm or 14.0 mm overall diameter and a 6.0 mm or 6.5 mm optic. It was difficult to obtain documentation of objective visual improvement in many of these cases because of the associated nystagmus. However, all patients reported subjective improvements. These results suggest that with proper technique and lens selection microphthalmic patients should be considered for IOL implantation with relative safety and success.